CRASH OF A CATALINA FLYING BOAT
AT PORT STEPHENS, NSW
ON 24 MAY 1943

visits since 23 January 2001

RAAF Catalina, A24-384, piloted by Flight Lieutenant H.B. Higgins struck an unusual wave and crashed while practicing circuits and landings on the water at Port Stephens on 24 May 1943. The crew of seven were all killed as follows:-

Flight Lieutenant H.B. Higgins, DFC (Captain)
Pilot Officer M.A. Larkin (Co-pilot)
Sergeant A.V. Craddock (2nd Co-pilot)
Flying Officer N.J. Brown (Wireless Operator)
Corporal T.H. Poole
Corporal J.D. James
Leading Aircraftsman H.G. Lovett

This was the only war-time loss of a Catalina at Rathmines during training exercises. Corporal Cummings assisted with the salvage of this aircraft.

REFERENCE BOOKS

Newton, John, "RAAF Rathmines", 1977

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

I'd like to thank Barry Pattison for his assistance with this home page.

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This page first produced 23 January 2001

This page last updated 23 January 2001